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ABSTRACT
This research introduced the concept of intercultural sensitivity to investigate the relationships between the context of volunteer tourism and the change in intercultural sensitivity, empirically assessing the supposition that volunteer tourism facilitates cross-cultural understanding. As a theoretical backdrop, the study utilized Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) postulating that one’s journey towards greater intercultural sensitivity consists of six consecutive stages along the enthnocentrism–ethnorelativism continuum. Canonical correlation analysis of the survey data revealed that quality of interaction with the host community was the most significant predictor of change in intercultural sensitivity. Additionally, this study demonstrated that volunteer tourism is linked to positive and negative changes in intercultural sensitivity and therefore has the potential to simultaneously promote and inhibit cross-cultural understanding.
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Notes on contributors
Ksenia Kirillova
Ksenia Kirillova is a PhD Candidate, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, 900 West State St., Marriott Hall, Room 206F, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA (E-mail: [email protected]).
Xinran Lehto
Xinran Lehto is Professor, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, 900 West State St., Marriott Hall, Room 257, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA (E-mail: [email protected]).
Liping Cai
Liping Cai is Professor, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, 700 W. State Street, Stone Hall, Office of Dean, West Lafayette, IN 47901, USA (E-mail: [email protected]).